Section 7: Indicator 3 (Questions 58-61)
Questions in this section will contribute towards Indicator 3 (number of
species and
populations in which genetic diversity is being monitored using DNA
based methods within the country). This indicator is calculated as a
count of studies that use DNA data sampled within the country to help
managers assess genetic status and choose appropriate actions, such as
studies of genetic connectivity, hybridization, adaptation, and mating
patterns. Note that these studies can sometimes use data from
different countries (e.g. genetic monitoring of populations of
transboundary species), so please ensure that at least some of the
samples used are for the species within the country of assessment.
Phylogenetic studies would refer to studies with many species and
typically only a few samples for the focal species. This of course can
provide useful information for conservation (e.g., clarifying species
boundaries). However, as above, please ensure that some of the samples
reported in the phylogenetic study are from the species within the
country being assessed. Most other studies would fall under ‘population
level’ studies. It can be included even if only one population is
studied.
Temporal studies refer specifically to sampling and analysis that
occurred at two time points, typically separated by one or more
generations or cohorts (e.g. reflecting genetic change over time).